Political online game and economic simulation

"Arguments flare about excavations under the Cathedral as the wording of the public referendum is fought over in the courts and never makes it to the ballot."
I'd like to ask why this is the response to choosing to hold a referendum in the task options for excavation under the Cathedral.

It doesn't seem a reasonable response in a highly secularised nation such as the one I am administering.

I had imagined that the low level of religious observance within my state would lead to their being a referendum held with results in favour of excavating so that as a ruler I wouldn't look disrespectful.

Yes, the result is the same regardless of your religion index. The third task option always yields the same result. It's not a true "hold a referendum" option.

Normally that would be the option I would go with (when trying to create an elightened as opposed to a theocratic state).

Surely there must be a way of changing the outcome of the referendum option so that there is actually a referendum held? Or creating a subsiduary task leading on from the court based deadlock that allows for one to be held? Otherwise I just do not see the point of there being the second task option. It is a misleading option and I am thoroughly displeased with this outcome!

The clergy blocks it. Just like in real life, I wager Yes. There should be a Hold a referendum option, while this particular option should be retweaked a little - at least in description.

Why not? Religious people may be a small minority in some states, but if they fight for their opinion, they can oppose a much bigger group of people with different belief (including atheists). After all, a court doesn't act based on votes from population, so even a single dedicated person can challenge a national law...